A bill introduced in the legislature on Wednesday by the governing Liberals would stop the cost of federal clean fuel regulations from being passed on to consumers intended to be incurred by refiners, particularly Irving Oil. Photo: Brice McVicar/Brunswick News

The Holt government has introduced legislation that will cut gas prices by roughly 4.5 cents. 

A bill introduced in the legislature on Wednesday would stop the cost of federal clean fuel regulations from being passed on to consumers intended to be incurred by refiners, particularly Irving Oil. 

An act to amend the petroleum products pricing act, once voted into law by the majority Liberal legislature, will make good on a Holt campaign commitment to immediately remove what it coined the “Higgs Gas Tax.” 

Retailers immediately warned of fallout, suggesting they will be saddled with the extra cost, alleging it could put rural gas bars out of business. 

“There are going to be unintended consequences,” Convenience Industry Council of Canada vice president Atlantic Mike Hammoud told Brunswick News on Wednesday. 

“We get why they want to reduce the price of gas. I get it. 

“But it doesn’t just mean it’s going away. Who's going to end up eating it?”

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New Brunswick tenants can expect a promised three per cent cap on rent increases effective Feb. 1, but landlords will get some wiggle room, on a case-by-case basis, to help cover the cost of “capital renovations.” 

On Wednesday, Housing Minister David Hickey introduced amendments to the Residential Tenancies Act and its regulation to create a permanent rent cap but also to establish a process for landlords to seek rent increases above the new threshold. 

Under the proposed new rules, New Brunswick landlords will be able to apply to the Tenant and Landlord Relations Office for approval for a rent increase above three per cent but less than nine to cover “capital renovations,” which could include maintenance, reporters heard during a technical briefing Wednesday morning. 

“It’s not to step in and put in stainless steel appliances,” Hickey later told reporters. “It’s needed renovations that are important for the safety of the tenant but also for the safety of the unit.”

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A site plan shows a proposed new McDonald's restaurant and an existing Jean-Coutu pharmacy on the corner of Millidge and University Avenues. The Planning and Advisory Committee endorsed an amendment that would allow for the new drive-through restaurant at 35 University Avenue. The proposed amendment now goes to a council meeting Dec. 9 for a public hearing. Photo: MRA Architecture and Design

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The families of victims murdered by Canadian serial killer Paul Bernardo have been denied in-person attendance at his upcoming parole hearing, Global News reported. Tim Danson, the lawyer representing the families of Kristen French and Leslie Mahaffy, who were murdered as teenagers, argued the decision violates their legal rights. The Parole Board cited security concerns for not allowing their attendance. Danson described the families' reaction to the decision as "gut-wrenching" and urged for the hearing to be postponed to allow their attendance. Bernardo, serving a life sentence for multiple murders, was controversially transferred to a medium-security prison last year.

The Canadian Embassy in Kyiv has temporarily closed following a U.S. warning about a "potential significant air attack," CTV News reported. Ukraine's military intelligence agency countered this, claiming Russia was spreading misinformation. Several other embassies also closed as a precaution. President Joe Biden recently authorized Ukraine to use longer-range U.S. missiles against Russia, while Moscow reported intercepting such missiles in the Bryansk region. Despite these developments, experts suggest they won't significantly alter the war. Russia maintains control over large areas in eastern Ukraine, with North Korean troops aiding their efforts. Putin has also lowered the threshold for nuclear weapon use.

A Quebec Superior Court judge ordered a pre-trial seizure of two Montreal-area properties owned by billionaire Robert Miller, Canadian Press reported. The decision comes at the request of four women who filed civil lawsuits against Miller, alleging sexual abuse when they were minors. The judge cited concerns Miller may attempt to hide assets, noting the lack of bank accounts in his name and the use of nominees to conceal property ownership. The 81-year-old founder of Future Electronics faces multiple legal challenges, including criminal charges and a proposed class-action lawsuit, all related to alleged sexual exploitation of minors. Miller denies the allegations.

Child, Youth, and Seniors’ Advocate Kelly Lamrock answers questions from media after announcing his office will be examining how social services are being improved by community groups and non-profit agencies. Photo: Brice McVicar/Brunswick News